Brady throws 4 TDs as Pats pound Texans

Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - Having already wrapped up the AFC East the
previous week, a big win on Monday has the Patriots' sights set on the top
spot in the conference.

Thanks to four touchdown passes from Tom Brady, New England took a 42-14 win
over the Houston Texans on Monday night.

New England (10-3), which is now 21-0 in the second half of the season since
2010, has ripped off seven straight wins and is now tied with Denver and just
a game behind Houston (11-2) for the coveted top spot in the AFC.

Brady was 21-for-35 with 296 yards while Aaron Hernandez posted eight catches
for 58 yards and two scores. Brandon Lloyd caught a score and also recovered a
fumble in the end zone for a score while Donte Stallworth, who re-signed with
the team last Monday, had the other touchdown reception.

Stevan Ridley carried the ball 18 times for 72 yards and his touchdown in the
fourth quarter put the emphasis on the rout as New England eclipsed the 40-
point mark for the fifth time this season, including the third time in the
past four weeks.

Houston, meanwhile, saw a six-game winning streak snapped and while the team
has already locked up a playoff spot, it is still fighting for the top spot in
the AFC South.

Sitting two games ahead of Indianapolis, the Texans will welcome the Colts to
Houston next Sunday. After hosting Minnesota, Houston will play in
Indianapolis for the final game of the regular season.

Matt Schaub was just 19-for-32 with 232 yards and an interception while Arian
Foster had 15 carries for 46 yards and a score in the loss.